Rooney plays first match for D.C. United 14 July

Former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, who completed a $13million move to D.C. United on Monday is billed to play his first match for the club on 14 July.

The match against Vancouver will take place at the club’s new 20,000-seat stadium, $200 million Audi Field.

Rooney, who last played for childhood club, Everton said his move to D.C. United and Major League Soccer was the change he “needed” at the “right time for me.”

“I think it’s what I needed,” Rooney said. “It was the right time for me.”

Rooney

“The game has grown so much over here, new stadiums, big crowds,” Rooney said. “I’m excited by the project.”

United chief executive Jason Levien dubbed Rooney “a living legend who is going to bring so much excitement to our fan base” and added, “To have Wayne lead us on the field into our new era is going to be glorious.”

Rooney cannot sign a contract with United until the transfer window opens on July 10.

The Merseysider vowed he had not moved to MLS for a final lucrative payday.

“I’m not here to see out my last few years,” Rooney said. “I’m here to compete and I’m here to win.”